Types of Sailing Boat ?>

Types of Sailing Boat

There are different types of sailing boat, ranging from small boats to huge ships.

Sailboats are recognized or classified by:

1. The number and shape of working sails

2. The number and location of masts

The various combinations are known as rigs. The components of rigs are; mast (that supports the front edge of mainsail and the halyards), the boom (that supports the bottom edge of mainsail), the sails and the stays.

Here are 7 basic types of sailing boats;

1. Sloop

A sloop has 1 mast and 2 sails, a mainsail and a jib. The sloop ring is actually the most popular rig for medium and small-size sailing craft due to its simplicity and efficiency.

2. Catboat

A catboat has 1 mast and 1 sail, with its mast stepped forward. Since a catboat has 1 sail, it’s a perfect choice for sailing with children or shorthanded.

3. Sunfish

A sunfish has 1 mast with a dagger board and lateen sail (rig).The sunfish boat is popular because of its easy portability and small size.

4. Catamaran

A catamaran boat is distinguished from the other types of sailing boats by its 2 hulls. The catamaran boat has 1 mast, and 1 or 2 sails, depending on the size of the boat. A catamaran is a fast boat.

5. Schooner

A schooner has 2 masts; the taller mainmast is usually located in the aft position. A schooner has 3 or 4 sails.

6. Ketch

A ketch has 2 masts, the shorter one being the mizzenmast. A ketch has 3 or 4 sails.

7. Yawl

A yawl has 2 masts; the mizzenmast is usually shorter than the main mast. A yawl has 3 or 4 sails. A yawl is similar to a sketch, however the mizzen on the yawl is much smaller than on the ketch.Generally, a mizzenmast is used for boats that are thirty feet or longer.